Invitation to Apply for the Nevada NADD Certification and Accreditation
The application process for Individual professionals interested in participating has been extended to February 27, 2026.
Note: For 2025-2026, ADSD will be covering the NADD Membership and application fees for selected participants.
NADD Certification Programs (For Individual Professionals)
Who Should Apply:
- All providers who are enrolled with Nevada Medicaid, including I/DD waiver providers, mental health providers, specialists, and clinical staff are invited to apply.
- Any Nevada Department of Human Services staff who work with adults or children/youth with I/DD, including staff at Child and Family Services (DCFS), Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH), or Social Services (DSS)
- Aging and Disability Services (ADSD) staff who are not part of a regional center
- Nevada Health Authority staff who work with adults or children/youth with I/DD may also apply.
Application Deadline Extended
NADD Certification Levels
DSP Certification
Person whose primary role is to provide day-to-day support to people with disabilities and may include titles such as support staff, direct care staff, personal care attendants, or more.
To be eligible, applicant must have at least 1 year of work experience as a DSP with a minimum of 1,000 hours in support of someone with I/DD or mental health conditions.
Includes an online exam and encompasses the following core competencies:
- Assessment and Observation
- Behavior Support
- Crisis Prevention and Intervention
- Health and Wellness
- Community Collaboration and Teamwork
Specialist Certification
For a non-licensed individual who delivers, manages, trains and/or supervises services for people with I/DD and mental health conditions, which may include staff working in units of county or state government, program directors/supervisors/specialists, case/care managers, and more.
To be eligible, applicant must demonstrate a combination of education and work experience equivalent to a master’s degree plus one year of work experience in a related field. No secondary education is required with adequate experience.
Includes a case study and interview and covers the following core competencies:
- Multimodal Bio-Psycho-Social Approach
- Application of Emerging Best Practices
- Knowledge of Therapeutic Constructs
- Respectful and Effective Communication
- Knowledge of Dual Role Service Delivery and Fiduciary Responsibilities
- Ability To Apply Administrative Critical Thinking
Clinical Certification
A licensed or credentialed professional who has direct experience serving individuals with I/DD or mental health needs.
Involves a work sample, case vignette and interview, to demonstrate proficiency in the following competency areas:
- Assessment of Medical Conditions
- Clinical Assessment
- Positive Behavior Supports and Effective Environments
- Psychotherapy/Other Therapeutic Interventions
- Psychopharmacology
Individuals interested in participating in NADD Certification are strongly encouraged to attend an informational session or view the previously recorded information session.
If you have any other questions, requests for project materials in alternate formats or languages, or to request other reasonable accommodation, please reach out to the following:
NADD Project Lead, Tope Ademola – tademola@thenadd.org
ADSD Project Lead, Carolyn Wilson – carolynwilson@adsd.nv.gov
HMA Project Lead, Jonah LaVigne – jlavigne@healthmanagement.com
